Aggressive psammomatoid ossifying fibroma of the inferior turbinate and lateral nasal wall

OBJECTIVE: Fibroosseous lesions are rare entities of the nose and paranasal sinuses, the terminology and classification of which are still confusing. Psammomatoid or aggressive (juvenile) ossifying fibroma is a benign messenchymal tumor usually met in the young age (5-15 years), in the sinonasal tract, bearing distinctive histomorphologic features and a tendency towards locally aggressive behaviour. METHODOLOGY: We report here a rare case of an aggressive psammomatoid ossifying fibroma of the inferior turbinate and the lateral nasal wall, with obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, in a 68-year-old woman. RESULTS: Diagnosis was based on physical examination, CT scan imaging and histopathological examination. Treatment consisted of endoscopic intranasal resection of the tumor accompanied by removal of the lateral nasal wall. CONCLUSIONS: Fibro-osseous tumors of the nose and paranasal sinuses require aggressive surgical approach in order to avoid recurrence. Complete surgical excision may not always be possible mainly due to the tumor's extent and location.